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Discovering Meknes Imperial City and Seventeenth Century Capital. Meknes, one of the most prestigious of the so-called imperial cities, enjoys a central position vis-à-vis other regions in Morocco. Situated west of the Saiss plain between the pre-Riffian elevation of Zerhoun and the foothills of the Middle-atlas, Meknes sits on a plateau and served as a virtual cross roads for traders and settlers throughout history; This role was to its clement weather, abundant water supplies, and surrounding fertile plains. Arab historians trace the origins of Meknes to the Roman period in Morocco, perhaps as a forward post for the neighboring Roman city of Volubilis in its search for timber and volcanic rock required for construction, and which the Atlas mountains must have provided in plenty. Recent archeological findings, however, do not offer convincing proof That there was a virtual Romanization of a settlement that would later develop into the great capital of legendary King Moulay Ismail. Bab Mansour El Alj: One of the best known and admired of Meknes' grand gates. the Gate leads from the Imperial City and Lalla Aouda esplanade to El-Hdim Square.  The great monuments, the massive walls, the huge gates, the elaborate gardens, the integrated neighborhoods, the bustling markets, and the unique crafts and arts point to layers of history compacted and superimposed in every corner of the city. So much history for the visitor to unravel and marvel; at that Meknes was classified in 1996 as a World Heritage Site, surely for the edification and pleasure of all humanity. The Souk of Meknès: (above) A large variety of colorful handicrafts are displayed. Below: The artistic displays of fresh produce found at the Souk in Meknès make these Moroccan Olives especially enticing. E-mail Africa Travel Magazine with your own travel experiences in Morocco. For Further information, Contact: USA: Moroccan Tourist Office: 20 East 46th St., Suite 1201, New York, NY 10017, U.S.A. Tel.: 212-557-2520. Fax: 212-949-8148. Web Site: http://www.tourism-in-morocco.com/   CANADA: Moroccan National Tourist Office: Suite 1460, 2001 rue Université, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2A6. Tel: +1 514 842 8111/2. Fax: +1 514 842 5316.